While Bernard Tomic’s time has not come yet, it may not be far away – the young Australian is making ground on the elite.

His straights set defeat by Roger Federer was not unexpected, give the sublime skills Federer has been showing in this year’s Australian Open.

Put simply, his all-round game was too classy for the young Australian.

But at 19, Tomic is still a novice. Federer’s first grand slam title was Wimbledon in 2003, just before he turned 22. Federer had a number of injury concerns in the early stages of his career, which led to questions whether his undoubted skills would ever reach fruition.

But his body matured and he became a masterful player.

Tomic will set a similar goal. He has played some wonderful tennis during this tournament, outplaying and out-thinking older opponents. The precision of his serves in the second round against Sam Querrey mean he did not have to be serving fast, as the placement took them beyond the reach of the American.

The 19 year old will also get more confidence to adopt differing playing styles in a big match as he spends more time in the major tournaments. At times, when he was playing against Federer, it would have been good to see him come to the net, but that may come with experience.

Tomic said the next 12 months should see him develop as a player.

“It could be very soon. The next year, year and a half, if I improve my body and get stronger,’’ said the still light-framed teenager.

“Having played all the top four guys now, and Roger twice, I think there is a lot for me in the future.”

Federer was full of praise for his vanquished opponent, saying he had to pull out all stops.

“I played a really good match. I thought I had to. Anything else wouldn’t have got the job done,” he said.

“Bernard showed why he’s going to have a great future ... he’s already very good – how much better do you want him?

“He’s improved a whole lot in four, five months.”

Having experienced the same pressure himself early in his career, Federer urged fans not to place too many expectations too soon on the 19-year-old.

“It’s stressful sometimes being a teenager,” he said.

“I was the next Pete Sampras and I didn’t even have a title yet.

“He’s got to go step by step – one title first and then he’s already going to do great.”